Sunderland will round off their preparations for the Championship play-offs with a home game against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
And then the fun and drama of the play-off battle gets underway, ahead of which Sunderland has released ticket details for the upcoming play-off home game.
No matter what happens on Saturday, the Black Cats will end the regular season in fourth place in the table - but their play-off semi-final opponents are yet to be decided with Bristol City, Coventry City, Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Millwall amongst those in the mix. Two memorable occasions will lie in wait in the play-off semi-finals as what will surely be a sell-out crowd will hope to roar Regis Le Bris’ men to within 90 minutes of a potential Wembley appearance and promotion into the Premier League.
That will evoke memories of Sunderland’s last play-off semi-final home tie in May 2023 when over 46,000 supporters helped Tony Mowbray’s side to a 2-1 win against Luton Town before the Hatters overturned that deficit in the away leg. There may have been disappointment for the Wearside faithful - but there were some wonderful images captured during both legs of a tense semi-final.
Tickets for the home leg of Sunderland's play-off semi final have gone on sale to season ticket holders this morning.
While the identity of Sunderland's opponent will not be confirmed until the end of the final day fixtures after Bristol City's defeat to Leeds United on Monday night, the Black Cats are guaranteed to finish in fourth position. That means they know they will play their first leg away from home on Friday May 9th, with an 8pm kick off. The second leg will be played at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday May 13th, also with an 8pm kick off.
Season ticket holders can now book their seat for the home leg, with their seats reserved until 5pm on Tuesday May 6th. At that stage all seats will be released for general sale, with a new pricing structure introduced. Full details can be found here:
1. SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: A detailed view of a Sunderland fan's cap full of badges prior to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg match between Sunderland and Luton Town at Stadium of Light on May 13, 2023 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Getty Images
2. SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: A Sunderland fan's tattooed head seen prior to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg match between Sunderland and Luton Town at Stadium of Light on May 13, 2023 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Getty Images
3. SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Sunderland fans hold up a flag reading 'Til the end' prior to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg match between Sunderland and Luton Town at Stadium of Light on May 13, 2023 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Getty Images
4. SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Fans of Sunderland show their support during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg match between Sunderland and Luton Town at Stadium of Light on May 13, 2023 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Getty Images